Billings Logan International Airport is preparing to welcome travelers with a new exhibit titled "Billings Welcomes the World" on display in the baggage claim and ticketing areas of the terminal.

The 18,000-square-foot display features 192 flags from United Nations countries as well as flags from all 50 U.S. states, the city of Billings and area tribes. The exhibit will also feature a large banner formed of all the United States flags in the order they joined the Union.

"Billings Welcomes the World" is presented by SkyWindWorld, a Billings-based nonprofit. This new exhibit is the organization's fifth production at the local airport and one of several that are planned at other U.S. and international locations. The theme is based on the concept that Billings has more to offer visitors to Yellowstone National Park and other area attractions than other area portals.

"I want everyone arriving at our airport to look up and think 'Wow, isn't that magnificent?' " says SkyWindWorld Inc. president Terry Zee Lee. "Initial impressions are important when experiencing a new place and a world-class community like Billings needs to be memorable from the visitor's first glance."

Lee anticipates that area teachers will use the exhibit to augment their classroom presentations regarding geography and world affairs. For example, Michelle Foos, administrative coordinator at the Ahead of the Curve School, is assigning her students a country to study. An airport field trip will give the students an opportunity to view their assigned countries' flags and further their classroom discussion.

As part of its other educational offerings, SkyWindWorld Inc. coordinates the placement of instructors for the "Kites in the Classroom" program, where students learn basic science, engineering and math principles by being introduced to kite making and kite flying. The organization also offers team building programs for adults.

Costs for exhibits such as the "Billings Welcomes the World" and for educational programs are partially covered by contributions made by sponsors, in-kind contributions by Billings Logan International Airport, money and volunteers from SkyWindWorld Inc., local and state grants and donations made by individual sponsors.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit SkyWindWorld Inc., contact Lee at 698-9369 or skywindworld@mailcan.com or visit her Web site, www.skywindworld.com.